Ripon Farm Services celebrates record year with £161m turnover

Ripon Farm Services has recorded a significant increase in turnover and profit in its accounts for the year ending January 31, 2023.

The report, published on the Companies House website this week, reveals revenue increased by 22% from £132.5 million to £161.1 million.

Gross profit rose by 23% from £15 million to £18.5 million and operating profit went up from £2.4 million to £3.1 million.

The Ripon-based company, which was established in 1982, services and sells agricultural machinery from brands including John Deere, Kuhn, Bailey, Kramer and Stihl across 15 regional branches.

It is one of the district’s largest and most visible companies, with a major presence at the Great Yorkshire Show each year.

Exhibiting at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Read more:

Ripon Farm Services, which employs 285 staff, also completed the construction of a 22,000 sq ft depot in Malton during the financial period, which was financed by an HSBC loan.

Directors attributed the company’s success to outperforming the market and, subsequently, increasing market share, as well promoting “premium products with industry-leading customer service” and a “prestigious” brand portfolio.

The report added:

“The directors are pleased with the results in what has been a record year for the group.

“Turnover and profitability have both improved significantly and investments have been made in our infrastructure and capabilities to ensure we are well placed to meet the ongoing needs of our customers.

“We are known as the dependable and trusted, market leading agricultural and ground care machinery partner. Our customers rely on us to help them prosper, innovate and grow.”

Ripon Farm Services also acquired FG Adamson & Son, a garden and ground-care machinery company, in March this year for around £2.4m.

Man in 90s seriously injured after Harrogate collision

A man in his 90s is in a serious condition in hospital following a collision between Harrogate and Killinghall last night.

The man had just got off the bus when he was struck by a Ford Fiesta.

The incident took place on the A61, on the bridge close to the junction with Knox Mill Lane, at 5.50pm. A 36 bus stop is situated on the bridge.

The A61 junction with Knox Mill Lane.

North Yorkshire Police today appealed for dashcam footage and witnesses.

In a statement, the force added:

“The pedestrian, a man in his 90s, had just alighted from a bus. He currently remains in a serious condition in hospital.

“The Ford Fiesta was travelling northbound on the A61 in the direction of Killinghall. The driver is helping officers with their investigation.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance was also called to the scene.

The A61 was closed at New Park roundabout.

The road was closed for police investigations and re-opened at 1.45am this morning (Tuesday, November 7).

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to help with the investigation. The statement added:

“Anyone who witnessed the collision, saw either the vehicle involved or the pedestrian in the moments leading up to it, or has dashcam footage, is urged to make contact with North Yorkshire Police if they have not already done so.

“Please email MCIT@northyorkshire.police.uk  or phone 101.”

Quote reference 12230211344 when passing on information.

Read more:

 

Ripon hornblower ‘calls the watch’ in London for first time in 1,000-year history

Ripon’s hornblower “called the watch” over the River Thames last night for the first time in its 1,000-year history.

Allison Clark, who became the city’s first female hornblower in 2017, represented the north’s smallest city on City Cruises’ flagship vessel, Erasmus, as part of the World Travel Market Event – a travel and tourism trade show which takes place at Excel London.

The special dispensation was agreed by Ripon City Council, and the event was jointly hosted by North Yorkshire Council, Visit York, Visit Leeds and Herriot Country Tourism.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for the visitor economy, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said:

“The visitor economy is a major contributor to North Yorkshire’s economy, bringing in more than £1.5 billion a year and attracting over 33 million visitors from domestic visits alone to the county.

“I am extremely proud of our heritage and having a hornblower from our area sound the horn over the River Thames for the first time in over a thousand years is quite the honour.”

Allison Clark calls the watch last night. Pic: James Glossop.

Representatives from each local board were invited as part of the All Aboard For Yorkshire initiative, which aimed to showcase the culture and beauty on offer across York and North Yorkshire.

Ms Clark added:

“Along with my three hornblower colleagues, I must have one of the longest-standing, unaltered job descriptions in the world.

“I never imagined when I took the role that I would be on the Thames next to the Tower of London announcing that North Yorkshire is ‘at large’ in London!”

Gemma Rio, head of tourism at North Yorkshire Council, also said the council is “on a mission to broadcast to the global travel industry, to look, and book, ‘up north’”.

North Yorkshire was represented at the World Travel Market by North Yorkshire Council, Herriot Country Tourism and Visit York as part of the UK Inbound stand. 

Read more:

 

Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: It is our ‘honour’ to be part of the journey, says Vida Healthcare

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district, kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare. 

Here’s a message from the Vida Healthcare team.

Vida Healthcare has provided specialist care for adults suffering with dementia since 2014. With over 300 beds across three state-of-the-art Harrogate homes, the team places people’s needs at the forefront of its values and ensures those living with this life-changing condition still have a voice in society.

Losing your memory robs of you of your former life, but Vida Healthcare wants those people to know they still have a purpose.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting the Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal in aid of Dementia Forward.

“It is such an amazing local charity supporting people living with dementia.

“Our vision aligns with Dementia Forward; dementia is such a widespread national – even global – issue, but Vida and Dementia Forward are focused on improving the lifestyle and well-being of those living with dementia at all stages of that journey.

“We both hold out a helping hand.”

The team designs and develops the homes to offer the highest quality of dementia care. All three homes are rated ‘outstanding’ and Vida provides constant support for those people who need more care than they can give themselves.

It support residents with activities outside of the home including access to local groups and events, meeting family and friends and catering to spiritual needs.

Vida Hall in Starbeck was the first of Vida’s care homes.

Bernadette Mossman, healthcare director at Vida Healthcare, added:

“It’s very close to our hearts to be able to help support Dementia Forward.

“We have the exact same approach and attitudes towards someone living with dementia – we look at the person first.

“People living with dementia can experience such significant loneliness and their families also need someone to hold their hand during their journey to know they’re not alone.

“What Dementia Forward does so well is support people to live well in the community and they do it absolutely beautifully.”

Both Vida Healthcare and Dementia Forward work tirelessly to improve the lives of those living with this progressive condition and support those watching their loved one slip away.

Vida Hall.

Bernadette added:

“Dementia Forward allows that person to stay with their family, be involved in the community and, when or if the time comes that they need additional support, they help them begin that journey too – Vida also plays a part in that.

“Some may need to come here for a period of respite – maybe longer — but want to be there to reach out to that person and say ‘come and see us’ so we can be a part of the decision-making process.

“If we can help in any way to make that journey as easy as possible, then it is our honour to be a part of it.”

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and bettering the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and tired and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need. 

Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, a family member or a friend may be in need of Dementia Forward or Vida Healthcare’s help too.

Let’s not forget those who need our help this Christmas.

 

Yorkshire antique-valuer opens Harrogate office

A Yorkshire-based auctioneer and antique-valuer has opened a Harrogate office.

David Duggleby, which opened in 1996, has opened a salesroom on Raglan Street, making it the third of its kind alongside York and Scarborough.

The Harrogate site will host a number of dedicated valuation days, specialising in antiques, collectors’ items, jewellery and fine art.

Managing director, Will Duggleby, said:

“We’ve been looking at having a presence in Harrogate for a while, so we’re delighted that everything has come together – the right office, in the right place, at the right time for the business – and with the right person available to run it.”

Read more:

The firm has also appointed a jewellery specialist for the Harrogate office, but Mr Duggleby added “anyone can bring anything it to get it assessed and valued”.

He said:

“Sometimes people bring in family heirlooms that they simply want to learn more about.

“Others may want to know if an antique or collectable is worth selling.

“And there are, of course, occasions when people have absolutely no idea that they have something rather special – in which case the valuation can come as something of a shock.”

Mr Duggleby also said items consigned for sale will be directed into one of the firm’s “specialist auctions”.

Valuations and advice are free of charge.

David Duggleby Harrogate will be open each weekday except for Wednesday from 9am – 4pm.

Community fitness group runs for Harrogate Homeless Project

A community fitness group has raised money for Harrogate Homeless Project.

Community Fit took part in the charity’s initiative which invited people to run either 5km or 10km in September.

The group decided to complete the run together and were joined by some of the Harrogate Homeless staff on the night.

They raised £275 for the charity which will go towards providing vital day-to-day care, emergency housing and support programmes.

Read more:

Members of Community Fit meet every Wednesday and either run, walk or cycle to their chosen charity. Its aim is to connect activity and community.

It is a collaborative project between North Yorkshire Sport and Harrogate & District Community Action, supported by an NHS grant received via Community First Yorkshire.

The group have recently helped to clear and tidy the garden at the Harrogate Homeless Project, as well as prepare the Cenotaph Exhibition at West Park Church.

Knaresborough pharmacy urges people to come forward for covid vaccine

A Knaresborough pharmacy director has urged people to come forward for a covid vaccine and warned that the virus is “still out there”.

Homecare Pharmacy Services took over the Harrogate Masonic Hall in October to offer covid vaccines to those eligible.

Despite a busy beginning, managing director Jason Baskind said the number of people using the service quickly “died down”.

He added:

“We were really busy for the first two weeks – it was good initially — but people need to be reminded that covid is still out there.”

The pharmacy played a key role in the pandemic after the NHS requested its help to roll-out the vaccine.

It moved to Chain Lane Community Hub and the former Lidl site in Knaresborough to administer more than 200,000 vaccinations.

Mr Baskind feels a change in attitude towards the virus has contributed to the slow uptake. He said:

“I think people have learned to live with it. There was a sense of panic when it was first rolled out and a stipulation to get it – which people did.

“Now, there’s potentially a sense of apathy in terms of the vaccine, but why not take the opportunity to get it?”

Appointments for a covid vaccine can be made on the NHS  national booking website.

Those currently eligible for the covid vaccine include people aged 65 and over, frontline healthcare workers, and high-risk individuals living with health conditions.

Read more:

 

Bonfire Night: guide to events in the Harrogate district

Bonfire Night is approaching. From torch-lit processions and alpacas to live music and traditional bonfires, we’ve collated a list of bonfires in the Harrogate district.

If you know of an event we haven’t included, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it.

Friday, November 3

Ripon City Bonfire

Ripon City Bonfire will take place at Ripon Racecourse.

The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and fireworks will begin at 7.30pm

Gates open at 5.30pm.

Advance tickets start at £2 and can be bought at various venues in the city.

No own fireworks other than sparklers are permitted for safety reasons.

There will be no parking available at the racecourse due to the poor weather conditions.

Spofforth village fireworks

The event will be held at Spofforth Cricket Club.

There will be hot food, a bar and live music to enjoy ahead of the fireworks display.

Gates open at 5pm.

Family tickets cost £12.50 and can be bought at the village deli or post office.

Knaresborough Cricket Club and Aspin Park Academy PTA Fireworks Night

The event will be held at Knaresborough Cricket Club.

As well as a firework display, guests can expect food and drink, music and light-up toys for sale.

Gates open at 6pm and fireworks will be lit at 7pm.

Tickets start at £3 and can be bought at the gate.

Belmont Grosvenor School Bonfire Party

Belmont Grosvenor School will host a bonfire party in the school grounds.

There will be a bonfire, fireworks, food and drinks stalls, children’s activities, and music.

Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the firework display will begin at 7.20pm.

Tickets are free for U18s and cost £10 for adults. They can be bought at the gate or by contacting the PTA on pta@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or 07525 907156.

Anyone is welcome to attend.

Stray Bonfire. Pic: Mark Dimmock.

Saturday, November 4

Stray Bonfire, Harrogate

The bonfire will be lit on the Oatlands Stray near to St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

It will take place from 5pm until 8.30pm and include fireworks, food and drink, and live music.

The event is free to attend but Harrogate Round Table, which is a charity, encourages donations. Proceeds will go towards Harrogate Homeless Project.

Yolk Farm, Minskip

Yolk Farm, near Boroughbridge, is hosting a dog and baby-friendly event without fireworks.

There will still be a bonfire and tickets include entry to the yard where visitors can see the animals, including goats and alpacas, as well as the opportunity to feed the pigs.

Hot food will also be on offer.

Gates open at 5.30pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm

Tickets can be bought online for £5.

Upper Nidderdale Scouts Group Pateley Bonfire

The event will be held at Pateley Bridge Showground.

Guests can expect a torchlit procession and bonfire, which begin at 6.30pm, and fireworks at 7pm.

There will also be hot food and a best Guy competition.

Entry is by donation and doors open at 6pm.

No sparklers are allowed.

Masham Bonfire

Masham Bonfire will be held on The Holme.

Food will be served from 5.30pm, followed by the bonfire at 6.15pm.

There will also be a firework display at 7pm.

The event is free to attend.

Kirkby Malzeard Community Bonfire

The event will be held at North Close Farm.

There will be a bonfire, fireworks and food and drink on offer.

Gates open at 6pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm.

It is free to attend but organisers have asked for donations to continue running the events.

Sparklers are not permitted.

Birstwith Community Bonfire

Birstwith bonfire will be held on the field behind West House on Nidd Lane.

As well as the bonfire, which will be lit at 5.30pm, visitors can enjoy a bar, hot dogs and a children’s stall.

Organisers will be raising money for a vehicle-activated speed sign near Birstwith School.

No dogs or sparklers are permitted.

Gates open at 5pm.

Wath & Melmerby Community Bonfire

The event will be held Roger Clarke Motor Engines in Melmerby.

Visitors can expect a bonfire, fireworks, a BBQ and a bar.

It begins at 6pm and tickets cost £5 per family.

Sunday, November 5

Lightwater Valley, Ripon

Lightwater Valley will put on a firework display accompanied by the music of Swan Lake.

Admission is included in a day entry ticket.

The display will begin at 5.15pm.

The Queen’s Head, Kettlesing

The Queen’s Head will have a bonfire and fireworks on offer.

There will also be pizzas, sparklers and a charity cake to stand available.

The event will be fundraising for Felliscliffe School.

It begins at 5pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6pm.

Entry is £5 for adults and £2 for children under 16.

Scotton Cricket Club

The event will be held at the cricket club on Lower Moor Lane.

Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm and the firework display will begin at 7.30pm.

Visitors can look forward to a bar, a BBQ and a cake stall.

Car parking is limited, so organisers have recommended people walk or car share to the event.

Donations are welcome on entry.

Harrogate Railway Football Club 

A firework display will be held at the club, which is on Station View in Starbeck.

There will be a DJ, fairground rides, a bar and a BBQ on offer.

The event is in association with Friends of Starbeck School and entry is £2.

Gates open at 4pm, followed by fireworks at 6.30pm.

There is no parking available at the venue.

Read more:

 

Historic Harrogate chapel up for auction

A converted chapel in Harrogate will go to auction next week.

The Chapel, on Grove Road, was built in 1896 and is a Grade-II listed building.

Mark Hinchcliffe, from Harrogate, bought the property in 2013. He originally lived in it before spending four years converting it into an eclectic bed and breakfast, which featured on Channel 4’s The Restoration Man.

However, Mr Hinchcliffe put The Chapel on the market for £1.5 million in 2020, but subsequently lowered the price to £1 million in April this year.

The empty building remains unsold and is now listed with Allsop — with a guide price of £850,000 plus.

The Chapel offers six bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, two separate bathrooms, two reception rooms, a vaulted drawing room, a dining room, an orangery and a library.

It also boasts a large entrance hall and a 50ft atrium, as well as a utility room and plant room.

The Chapel’s floor plan.

The listing states:

“The property may afford possible potential for change of use and/or redevelopment, subject to obtaining all necessary consents.”

The auction will be live-streamed on Tuesday, November 7 and Wednesday, November 8.

Read more:

 

Mackenzies Farm Shop and Cafe under new ownership

Mackenzies Farm Shop and Café has re-opened under new ownership.

David Suttill, from Harrogate, and Aissa Guessis, from Bradford, took over the Blubberhouses company and opened the doors for trading yesterday.

Mr Suttill, who worked as the café manager under the previous owners, said he hopes the new venture will “give something back to the community”.

He added:

“We’re just two hard-working guys.

“We’ve put our own touches on it and the new menu is launching next week.”

The re-opening comes after the former Mackenzies Smoked Products Ltd, trading as Mackenzies Smokehouse, went into voluntary liquidation in February – owing more than £1 million.

Clark Business Recovery was appointed to oversee the liquidation and found HMRC was among the 156 creditors. The company owed more than £45,000 for VAT, PAYE and National Insurance Contribution.

However, Mr Suttill told the Stray Ferret the smokehouse is “a different business” and is not part of the new ownership.

Read more:

Mr Suttill has previously managed Michelin star restaurants and said he is “well-known in the area” for his “fantastic” customer service.

His business partner, Mr Guessis, worked as a chef in London and at The Crown Hotel in Harrogate, and is now the chef at the café.

Mr Suttill added:

“We’re going to host lots of charity events too, we’re already planning a Christmas event.

“I’ve been in this business for many years – I know it – so it’s just going to be good food, good service and a focus on community.”

The farm shop and café will use both new and existing suppliers to sell locally-sourced produce, including meats, baked good and home accessories.

Mackenzies Farm Shop and Café is open seven days a week from 9am – 5pm.